The result is 11.32 strikeouts per seven innings and a 22-7 record for Beasley, who is closing in on her coach’s prediction. This year against Texas A&M, she struck out 21 in nine innings. She’s 9-6 this season against teams ranked in the Top 25 or receiving votes.

“Last year I had a lot of doubt in my pitches,” said Beasley, a Steele Canyon High graduate. “I was all over the place if I didn’t hit my spots. This year I’ve gained confidence and focus in each individual pitch. I focus on where I need to hit my spot and have confidence in each pitch.”

Her rise ball tops off at about 65 mph. Her drop ball settles in at about 60 mph. And, though she doesn’t use it often, she can make hitters stumble with a 45 mph changeup. She’s a thinking pitcher who calls her own game.

This year, Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso told Van Wyk that Beasley changed speeds better than any pitcher she’d ever seen. High praise from a coach with 15 straight NCAA appearances and a national championship.

Beasley’s teammates also recognize the change from last season.

“This year, she has this game face. It’s kind of scary,” said Brittany Knudsen, the Aztecs’ leading hitter with a .409 batting average. “It’s crazy. When it’s on, you can’t talk to her during games. You can tell she’s more focused.”

Beasley will be on the mound this weekend when the Aztecs host UNLV on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

“A good pitcher has to relish the whole position and understand that in some ways the game is on your shoulders and in other ways it’s out of your control,” Van Wyk said. “She’s always been a hard worker, but it wasn’t until this year that she really embraced the role that comes with it.”